Nelumbo nucifera, commonly known as Sacred Lotus or Indian Lotus, is an aquatic perennial herb native to South, Southeast and East Asia, and Australasia. It thrives in shallow ponds, floodplains, and the edges of water bodies in warm-temperate to tropical climates. Typically, it can grow in water up to 8 feet deep but is often found in shallower waters of about 2-4 feet. Sacred Lotus features large, round leaves that can rise above the water surface, and it produces showy pink or white flowers that bloom in the summer and are highly revered in many cultures.

The Sacred Lotus is celebrated for its striking flowers and large leaves, which add an exotic touch to water gardens and ponds. It is also valued for its edible seeds and rhizomes, which are used in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. In cultivation, it requires full sun and warm temperatures to thrive and prefers nutrient-rich, loamy soils with stagnant or slow-moving water. While it is relatively low maintenance, it can be sensitive to cold temperatures and may require protection or indoor overwintering in cooler climates.CC BY-SA 4.0